It is easy to tell your children to brush their teeth. But are they really doing that? Tooth decay is the most common chronic infectious disease in America. Tooth decay can lead to painful infections, which can make it difficult for children to eat, talk, and concentrate.

Cavities can be prevented if children take good care of their teeth. These tips will keep your children and parents smiling.

* Encourage your children to skip sticky, sugary treats. Lollipops are discouraged by dentists for one reason: sugar feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth. This allows them to develop plaque, eventually leading to cavities and gum disease. Sugary foods and drinks that stick to teeth can promote the growth of bacteria. However, all sugars can do this. Sugar can be fed by eating sugary foods and drinks all the time, not just at mealtimes. Encourage children not to eat after meals, but to brush their teeth and to drink water to rinse their mouths.

* Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Children should brush their teeth before and after meals. Make sure to tell children that they brush all their teeth, from the back to the sides. Children should brush for three minutes, using a timer or a short song to encourage proper brushing.

* Use oral care probiotics. Jeffrey Hillman, DMD (Ph.D.), has spent over 30 years studying oral health. He discovered three probiotic strains that naturally live in healthy mouths. A special mix of probiotics has been created that creates colonies of beneficial bacteria on the gums and teeth, which then crowd out harmful bacteria. EvoraKids is one of his products.www.MyEvoraKids.com, an all-natural probiotic chewable that is specifically made for children, comes in a tasty “Wild Very Cherry Berry”The flavor. Children can enjoy long, healthy lives by using the chewables at least twice daily after brushing.

* Visit the dentist. For an oral checkup and cleaning, children should visit the dentist at least twice per year. The dentist will check the teeth for decay and gum disease and teach children how to properly brush and floss.

The pace of life today is rapid. The rise of digital technology has allowed people to communicate with each other via the internet and simultaneously check their children’s soccer scores. Consumers can expect the same conveniences and benefits from all businesses, except their insurance companies, thanks to the internet age. For many people struggling to pay their medical bills, this can seem like a long wait, even though 98 percent of claims for health insurance are processed in 30 days.

As nearly two-thirds American households earn less than 2002, being insured isn’t enough. It is vital to understand how quickly and efficiently your insurance carrier pays claims. This is important for both financial and medical recovery.

Recent research found that 66% would not be able to adjust to the high financial cost of serious illnesses or injuries. Only 49% of workers have over $1,000 to pay out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, rising healthcare costs are forcing employers into cost-saving measures that are putting employees under greater financial pressure.

* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.

* Increasing employees’ share of premium.

* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.

Some people might have to wait as long as a month to receive their insurance payments. Many insurance companies are able to offer fast service because they have better technology and an understanding of today’s consumer needs. This is one example. AflacIt is almost rare for insurance companies to offer policies that include claims processing, approval, and payment in a single day.

In the past, fast payment policies were a luxury. It is now a necessity. It is more important than ever that you have money available immediately for serious injuries or illnesses. You should ensure that your insurance company can move at your pace.

Aflac’s One Day Pay Promise can be found at aflac.com/onedaypay.